Environment and Climate Change Strategy Minister George Heyman has issued the following statement about the ongoing investigation into the Mount Polley tailings pond breach:

Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy George Heyman today announced a new review of the Hullcar Aquifer, with the end goal of ensuring agricultural practices are consistent with the provision and protection of clean, safe drinking water.

Effective at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2017, Ten Mile Lake Provincial Park north of Quesnel will once again be opened for public use.

Due to cooler temperatures and lower fire danger ratings in the northeastern portion of the Cariboo Fire Centre, BC Parks – in consultation with the BC Wildfire Service – reopened Bowron Lake Provincial Park for public use on July 28, 2017.

As a result of cooler temperatures and moderate fire danger ratings, BC Parks — in consultation with the BC Wildfire Service — has reopened southern sections of Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park for public use, effective immediately. 

As a result of recent precipitation, cooler temperatures and a moderate fire danger rating in northern portions of the Kamloops Fire Centre, BC Parks – in consultation with the BC Wildfire Service – will re-open Wells Gray Provincial Park to public use as of 7 a.m. Pacific Time on Tuesday, July 25, 2017.

Members of the public are encouraged to be on the lookout for any wildlife or livestock displaced by a wildfire.

Members of the public are reminded that a full closure of Wells Gray Provincial Park has been in place since July 9, 2017, and will remain in effect until the public is advised otherwise.

In an effort to protect public safety, BC Parks, in co-ordination with the BC Wildfire Service, will close Wells Gray Provincial Park effective 8 a.m. on Sunday, July 9, 2017.

Over the May long weekend, access to the parking lot at Sombrio Beach will be temporarily restricted for safety measures, as in previous years, to discourage illegal activities such as parties and vandalism.